Looking for the perfect three-day Newport Beach itinerary? You’re in the right place!
Newport Beach is everything you could want from a Southern California beach getaway. Miles of beautiful coastline, a huge harbor filled with boats, fantastic seafood, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Plus, there’s much more to explore beyond the beach!
We think three days gives you a great amount of time here. You can cruise around Newport Harbor, explore charming Balboa Island, go whale watching, and discover the historic cottages at Crystal Cove. We’ve also worked in some amazing waterfront restaurants and a few more adventurous activities, so you’ll get a really good feel for what makes Newport Beach special. Let’s get into it!
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Our Top Choice

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Newport Beach was this whale watching excursion! We got lucky and spotted a few different types of whales, and even some dolphins, all while taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Our Top Choice
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Newport Beach
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Book your Airport Taxi in advance
- Renting a Car in the USA
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
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- The Services We Recommend
Itinerary Overview


🌅Day 1: Morning in Newport Harbor & Sunset at Bilbao Island
Explore Newport Harbor with your choice of an electric boat rental or a private surf lesson, before hopping over to Balboa Island and ending the day with a spectacular sunset.
🐋Day 2: Whale Watching Excursion
Discover the wildlife of Upper Newport Bay before heading out on a whale-watching cruise to search for whales and dolphins off the Newport Beach coast.
🛩️Day 3: Crystal Cove, Scenic Flight, & Escape Room
Step back in time at Crystal Cove before choosing between a private scenic flight over the Orange County coastline or an immersive escape room for your final adventure.
Day 1
Breakfast – Lighthouse Cafe


Start your first day in Newport Beach with breakfast at Lighthouse Café, a waterfront spot inside Marina Park on the Balboa Peninsula. It overlooks Newport Harbor, so you’ll be starting your day with postcard-perfect views of the boats on the water. If that’s not a perfect introduction to the city, we don’t know what is!
The menu here is packed with brunch favorites, like lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes – yum! The breakfast burrito is also a good choice before a busy morning, too. You can actually make reservations here for breakfast, which we think is a good idea if you’re visiting on a weekend or during the busy summer period.
We recommend getting here around 8 am so you can take your time over breakfast and then finish up by 9:15 am. Both of this morning’s activity options are on the Balboa Peninsula, but they’re in opposite directions, so double-check your route before heading off.
Morning – Choose your Newport Beach water adventure


After breakfast, it’s time to get out on the water! We’ve got two very different options for you this morning, depending on whether you fancy taking it easy or doing something a little more active.
If you want to relax, you can rent an electric boat and cruise around Newport Harbor at your own pace. Or, if you’ve always wanted to try surfing in California, you can take a private lesson. Whichever experience you go for, book the 10 am slot. Both last two hours, so this will keep the rest of the itinerary flowing nicely!
Option 1 – Captain an electric boat around Newport Harbor


If you want to explore Newport Harbor without joining a group cruise, this private electric boat rental is such a fun option. You get the whole boat to yourselves for two hours, with space for up to 12 people, and someone in your group can take the wheel. Sounds like fun, right?
The meeting point is only around a 4-minute drive from Lighthouse Cafe, so we recommend booking the 10 am slot. You can park at the Balboa Pier parking lot, but make sure to allow some extra time during summer weekends and holidays, as it can get very busy.
The boats are designed for slow, scenic cruising, so this is more about enjoying the harbor than going anywhere fast. You can make your way past Balboa Island, Lido Island, and the Balboa Peninsula, while checking out some of the huge waterfront homes along the way. Keep an eye out for sea lions too!
We especially like how flexible this experience is. You can bring your own snacks and drinks, or even stop at a waterfront restaurant to grab some takeout items if you prefer! Plus, for a group, it could also work out as pretty good value once you split the cost.
Best of all, you don’t need any boating experience to do it. The boats are easy to drive, although the person at the helm does need to be at least 21 years old. You will need to provide a physical credit card at check-in for a security deposit, so bear that in mind. We think it’s totally worth it to get the chance to drive a boat!
Once your two hours are up, you’ll already be in the perfect spot for lunch at Harborside Restaurant, which is right beside the boat check-in point. Ahoy!
Option 2 – Learn to surf on the California coast


Alternatively, if you’d rather get a little more active this morning, why not learn to surf? Surfing is such a huge part of Southern California culture, so you can’t come to Newport Beach without giving it a go!
This private two-hour surf lesson is suitable for complete beginners as well as anyone who already has a little experience and wants to improve. The meeting point is around a 10-minute drive from Lighthouse Cafe, so again, we recommend booking the 10 am slot. Surfboards and wetsuits are included, so you can turn up without worrying about renting equipment separately.
We especially like that the lesson is private, because it means the instructor can tailor everything to your group rather than working through a one-size-fits-all class. They’ll talk you through the basics, help you with your technique, and give you plenty of encouragement while you’re out in the water.
And don’t worry if you’ve never even touched a surfboard before. Plenty of first-timers manage to get up during their lesson, which has to be one of the best feelings after spending the first part of the session repeatedly falling into the Pacific!
If you want to experience that quintessential SoCal lifestyle, learning to surf is truly one of the best ways to do it. It’s suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, and we guarantee it will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
After your lesson, it’s around a 15- to 20-minute drive to Harborside Restaurant for lunch, so allow a little extra time to drive over and find parking.
Lunch – Harborside Restaurant


After your morning on the water, head to Harborside Restaurant inside the historic Balboa Pavilion for lunch. If you chose the electric boat, you’ll already be right next to it, so that’s nice and easy! If you went surfing instead, it should take you around 15 to 20 minutes to drive over.
The restaurant has huge windows overlooking Newport Harbor, so you’ll have picturesque waterfront views while you eat. As for what to order, we recommend seafood! There are mahi fish tacos on the menu, but the clam chowder here is really good, too.
Aim to get here for around 12:30 pm and give yourself a good hour or so for lunch. If you haven’t already parked nearby, you can use the Balboa Pier Parking Lot, as you can leave the car there for lunch and the next part of the itinerary too while you explore Balboa Island on foot.
Alternatively, you can head back to your hotel to get cleaned up after surfing. If you do this, grab something quick for lunch near your hotel so you can maximize the rest of your time today!
Afternoon – Explore Balboa Island and try its famous frozen bananas


After lunch, walk around five minutes from the Balboa Pavilion to the Balboa Island Ferry and cross over as a pedestrian. The ferry journey only takes a few minutes, but it’s actually a classic Newport Beach experience in its own right, and we loved the harbor views.
Balboa Island is one of Newport Beach’s most famous neighborhoods, and we really enjoyed spending a few hours here! It’s a small man-made island in Newport Harbor, with cute cottages and lots of little shops and restaurants.
Marine Avenue is the main street, so start there before heading down to the waterfront. You can actually walk right around the island, which is the perfect way to admire Newport Harbor without having to book another boat trip. There are great views of the yachts and Balboa Peninsula as you go.


And, crucially, you need to get a frozen banana while you’re here! Balboa Island is famous for them, and the local banana stands even helped inspire the Bluth family’s business in the sitcom Arrested Development.
There are actually two rival banana stands on Marine Avenue. Sugar ’n Spice and Dad’s Donut & Bakery both lay claim to the “original” frozen banana, and they’re only a few doors apart. Sugar ’n Spice probably has the better claim on Balboa Island itself, since it dates back to 1945, while Dad’s opened in 1960. To us, the solution is clear: try both and decide for yourself which is better!
Best of all, wandering around Balboa Island is completely free. Well, apart from the frozen bananas. But I think we can allow for that!
Once you’re finished exploring, take the ferry back and collect the car. Depending on the time of year, you can either head back to your hotel to freshen up before sunset or go straight to Inspiration Point if it’s getting close.
Evening – Take in the view from Inspiration Point


Before dinner, drive over to Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar for one of the prettiest coastal views in Newport Beach. The viewpoint sits above Corona del Mar State Beach and looks out over the rocky coastline and Pacific Ocean, so this is a gorgeous spot to catch the sunset.
Best of all, there’s no hike involved! After a full day of exploring, you can just park nearby, wander over to the viewpoint, and spend about half an hour enjoying the scenery and snapping photos.
Sunset times vary a lot throughout the year, so you’ll need to adjust this part of the itinerary accordingly. We recommend arriving at Inspiration Point at least 30 minutes before sunset, then booking dinner for around 45 minutes to an hour afterward. The viewpoint can get pretty busy at sunset, particularly during summer and on weekends, so give yourself some extra time to find parking too.
There’s limited street parking along Ocean Boulevard near the viewpoint. If you can’t find a space, Corona del Mar State Beach has a larger parking lot around a 10-minute walk away.
If you’re visiting during winter, you may need to leave Balboa Island earlier and skip the hotel break altogether. In summer, meanwhile, book dinner for around 8 pm.
Dinner – Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar


After watching the sunset, it’s a 5- to 10-minute drive to Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar for dinner. It has a bright, laid-back feel and an island-inspired menu, so we think it fits the Newport Beach vibe perfectly!
This place is perfect for seafood lovers. We loved their signature coconut shrimp, which came with a papaya and mango chutney. There’s also a Kona coffee-crusted ribeye if you’ve had enough seafood for one day! And if you’ve still got room, you can always finish up with a slice of key lime pie or the piña colada cake.
There’s live music on several evenings throughout the week, so grab a table close to the bar area if you’re in the mood for a livelier vibe. And if you’d prefer a quieter atmosphere, the patio is a bit more peaceful.
The restaurant currently closes at 9 pm, so if you’re visiting during summer, make sure to get here soon after sunset, or even just before if you’re visiting in mid-June. On the upside, parking is nice and straightforward here, with plenty of spaces in the Corona del Mar Plaza lot out front.
Day 2
Breakfast – Coffee Dose


Start day two with breakfast at the Coffee Dose flagship café in Costa Mesa, just outside Newport Beach. This place is bright and fun, with an eye-catching pink and green decor, so breakfast here will do wonders for your Instagram grid.
The drinks here were certainly made with social media in mind, and the coffee menu is cheekily called “anti-bitch serum”! We went for the Bananarama, a brown sugar latte topped with banana sweet cream, which was so yummy. But don’t worry, if you’re more of a coffee purist, your standard flat whites and Americanos are available too, though they’ll probably come in a cup labeled with a sassy slogan.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about the food! There are plenty of breakfast options, from bagels and breakfast burritos to avocado toast and steak and eggs.
Coffee Dose opens at 7 am, but we recommend getting here at around 8 am so you’ve got plenty of time to eat before heading to Upper Newport Bay. It can get busy on weekend mornings, so arriving early should help you beat the worst of the queue. There’s parking in the surrounding shopping plaza, which makes this an easy stop before you get back in the car for the short drive to the bay.
Morning – Explore Upper Newport Bay


After breakfast, it’s less than a five-minute drive to Upper Newport Bay, where we’re swapping the busy waterfront for something much quieter. This huge protected wetland is one of the best places in Southern California for birdwatching, and it’s a very peaceful place to spend the morning.
The bay protects around 1,000 acres of wetlands and open water, so there’s a ton of wildlife here. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, pelicans, and birds of prey, to name but a few species! In fact, if you’re visiting during the winter migration, you could see thousands of birds using the wetlands at once.
The full Back Bay Loop is 10.5 miles (17 km), so we wouldn’t recommend attempting that today as it’ll take hours! Instead, park at the lot near the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and follow the Bluff Trail for as long as you like before you turn back.
If you’ve got binoculars, be sure to bring them! We recommend taking your time at the viewpoints rather than trying to cover as much ground as possible. The route is pretty exposed, though, so don’t forget water and sun protection, and a light layer is a good idea for cooler times of year.
Lunch – Malibu Farm Lido


By lunchtime, we’re heading back towards the water for lunch at Malibu Farm Lido. It’s around a 10 to 15-minute drive from Upper Newport Bay, and the restaurant overlooks the marina, so this is another great spot for lunch with a view!
The dishes here are made with fresh, local ingredients, and there are lots of lighter options on the menu, like branzino fish tacos and lobster rolls. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to eat a huge, hearty meal before I head out on a boat cruise.
We recommend getting here at around 11:30 am. Daytime dining is currently first come, first served, so getting here a little early should help you beat the main lunch rush. You’ve got a whale-watching cruise this afternoon, so you don’t want to have to wait for a table.
Park in the Lido Marina Village parking structure and bring your entry ticket inside for validation. Diners currently get one hour of complimentary self-parking, which is handy. Then, when you’ve finished eating, it’s time to head towards the Balboa Peninsula and see what’s swimming offshore!
Afternoon – Look for whales and dolphins off Newport Beach


After lunch, you’ll have a little bit of time before the cruise, so we recommend heading back over to the Balboa Municipal Lot to secure your parking. You used this same lot yesterday, so at least you already know the drill! Once you’re parked, you can have a wander around Newport Beach before heading over to check in for the cruise.
Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Newport Beach, and this cruise gives you the chance to spot everything from humpback and blue whales to dolphins, seals, and sea lions. We’re absolutely fascinated by whales and always have been, so of course we couldn’t pass up the chance to do this tour!
We’ve done a lot of whale cruises on our travels, but this one really impressed us. The crew has a strong background in marine biology, so they’ll explain what you’re seeing and point out signs to watch for, such as blows and tail slaps. Of course, sightings vary depending on the season, but there’s marine life around throughout the year.


We were incredibly lucky and saw a humpback whale actually do a somersault, which was easily one of the highlights of the trip! We also had loads of dolphin encounters and spotted sea lions along the way. It was really special.
We’d definitely recommend upgrading to the luxury cruise if your budget allows. It costs a little more, but not a huge amount, and you get a smaller boat with fewer guests and a 360-degree walk-around deck. It’s also a faster boat, which allows you to reach sightings further away. In short, it means less time traveling and more time actually watching the animals. For us, it was so worth it!
Once you’re back on dry land at around 5 pm, head back to your hotel for a rest and freshen up before dinner.
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Dinner – il Farro


For dinner tonight, head to il Farro near Newport Pier. This cozy Italian spot has been serving Newport Beach since 1993, and it feels a bit more casual than some of the busier harbor restaurants. For us, that was welcome after a long day of walking and whale watching!
The restaurant specializes in handmade pizza and pasta, as well as Italian seafood dishes. We highly recommend the lobster ravioli to get the best of both worlds, or you really can’t go wrong with pizza. And don’t forget to save some room for gelato – you’re at an Italian restaurant right by the beach, after all.
Book a table here for around 7 pm, as this should give you plenty of time to head back to your hotel and freshen up after the cruise. And remember, parking around Newport Pier tends to get busy around sunset, so leave extra time to find a space.
Evening – Take an evening stroll along Newport Pier


After dinner, don’t head back to your hotel just yet! Newport Pier is only a few minutes’ walk from il Farro, so we recommend finishing the evening with a stroll along the oceanfront.
By this point, the sun will have gone down, and the lights will be coming on around the Balboa Peninsula. In short, it’s a perfect time to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean views!
If Newport Pier itself is open, you can walk all the way to the end for views back towards the coastline. Otherwise, just wander around the oceanfront promenade and McFadden Square for as long as you feel like. This is a nice, chilled-out way to wrap up the day before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Day 3
Breakfast – Rose Bakery Cafe


For our final morning in Newport Beach, start with breakfast at Rose Bakery Cafe in Corona del Mar. This local spot opens super early and serves big breakfast plates, as well as pastries and donuts, so there’s plenty to choose from. And if you’re really hungry, there’s a huge pancake platter that’s probably big enough for two people to share.
You can’t book this spot, so get here at around 8 am and order at the counter. You can spend about an hour here before jumping in the car and driving about 10 minutes down the Pacific Coast Highway to Crystal Cove.
Morning – Step back in time at Crystal Cove


After breakfast, it’s about a 10-minute drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to the Crystal Cove Historic District. This area offers a glimpse into what the Southern California coast looked like before all of the luxury homes and resorts arrived.
Crystal Cove State Park sits between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach and protects one of Orange County’s largest remaining stretches of natural coastline. But the part we’d make a beeline for is the Historic District, where 46 rustic beach cottages from the 1930s and 1940s are tucked right beside the sand!
Visiting this spot really does feel like stepping back into an older version of California. You can wander between the cottages and explore the cliffs and little coves that surround the beach. Some of the cottages have even been restored as overnight accommodation, although snagging a reservation can be very competitive.
Thankfully, you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy the area. We think it’s well worth visiting just for a wander, especially because it feels so different from the polished waterfront neighborhoods elsewhere in Newport Beach.
For this itinerary, park at the Los Trancos lot across the Pacific Coast Highway. From here, you can either walk around half a mile to the Historic District via the tunnel beneath the highway or take the Beachcomber shuttle down instead. The walking route includes an incline, so the shuttle is a good option if you want to save your legs. We suggest allowing around two hours here before heading for lunch on the beach.
Lunch – The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove


You don’t need to go far for lunch today, because The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is – you guessed it – right on the beach! It’s actually housed inside one of the restored cottages, so it’s a very fitting place to eat after spending the morning exploring the Historic District.
As you’d expect from a beach restaurant, seafood is the go-to here. There’s even classic fish and chips on the menu! But whatever you order, make sure to save some room for the warm beignets with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. It’s your final day, so why not!
Book a table for around 11:30 am. Yes, it’s a little early, but we had an early start this morning, and you’ll want to leave plenty of time for this afternoon’s activity. This place is super popular, so reservations really are a must, especially if you want to sit outdoors, but luckily arriving just before the lunch rush makes it a little easier to snag one.
After lunch, hop back on the shuttle to the Los Trancos parking lot and collect your car. Aim to leave Crystal Cove at around 1:30 pm, ready for your final activity in Newport Beach.
Afternoon – Choose your final Orange County adventure!


We’re ending the sightseeing portion of this itinerary with a choice between two very different experiences. If you want to go out with a bang, book the scenic flight and see the Orange County coastline from above. Or, if heights aren’t your thing, head to Irvine Spectrum Center and put your brain to the test in an escape room instead.
Both are inland from Crystal Cove and can be booked at several different times, so you’ve got a little flexibility here. Afterward, head back to your hotel for a rest, and freshen up before dinner.
Option 1 – Fly above the Orange County coastline


If you want to make your final afternoon truly memorable, take to the skies on this private coastal air tour! It’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s a true bucket list experience. The aerial views over the Southern California coastline are something you’ll remember for a long time to come!
From Crystal Cove, it’s around a 25- to 35-minute drive to ACI Jet South at John Wayne Airport. Complimentary valet parking is included at the meeting point, so you can just pull beneath the shaded entrance and leave the car with the attendant.
The flight lasts around 45-50 minutes and takes you over some of the region’s most famous coastal spots, including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach. You’ll also get incredible views across the wider Orange County coastline as you go.
Because the aircraft is designed for sightseeing, you get fantastic views throughout the flight, and the experience is completely private for your group of up to three people. We love the fact that it feels much more personal than a standard scenic flight, especially because the pilot talks you through what you’re seeing as you go.
Noise-reduction headsets are provided too, so it’s easy to hear the commentary even while you’re flying. And if you’re celebrating something special, you can let the team know in advance so they can make the experience feel a little more memorable!
Option 2 – Solve an immersive escape room


Alternatively, if you’d rather stay on the ground, head to The Escape Game at Irvine Spectrum Center. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Crystal Cove, and we think that this offers a fun change of pace after spending so much of the trip outdoors. Book the 2:40 pm slot, and expect the experience to take about 90 minutes total, including the briefing and time for photos afterward.
There are six themed rooms to choose from, including a heist and a special ops game, but we went for Prison Break! We had 60 minutes to escape from the evil warden by hunting for hidden clues and solving puzzles. The hour absolutely whizzed past and we had a blast working out how it all fit together, although I must say, some of the clues were pretty tricky!
Fortunately, a game guide monitors the room and can send hints if you start heading in completely the wrong direction. Now, we’d love to say that we didn’t need any hints, but we’d be lying.
The best part came right at the end. With barely any time left on the clock, we finally cracked the last clue and managed to escape. I was literally jumping up and down with joy when we solved it – it felt like a true “eureka!” moment.
This was easily one of the most fun activities we did in the area, especially because it was so different from Newport Beach’s outdoor attractions. We definitely want to come back and try one of the other rooms next time we’re in Newport!
Dinner – Rusty Pelican


After a busy final day, head to Rusty Pelican for dinner. This long-standing Newport Beach favorite has been serving diners since 1972, and the waterfront setting overlooking Newport Bay makes it a really special place to end the trip. If you’re planning on having a few drinks with dinner, you can always hop in an Uber or taxi rather than driving yourself here.
The restaurant is particularly known for its marina views, so we recommend booking for around 6:30 pm and requesting either a window table or patio seating. That way, you can enjoy the bay while there’s still some light left. If you get here after dark, you’ll be missing out on a lot of the appeal!
With that said, the food here alone is worth coming for. The crab cakes were our favorite, but they’ve got everything from lobster to filet mignon, so knock yourself out! Whatever you get for your main, we definitely recommend the molten chocolate cake for dessert.
Reservations aren’t essential, but we came here during summer so we booked in advance, and we’re so glad we did! We snagged a waterfront table, so it was definitely worth being a little organized.
Last but not least, do bear in mind that this restaurant has a dress code. Don’t stress too much, as it’s smart casual or business attire, so just be sure to swap your beach clothes and flip-flops for something a bit neater.
Evening – Toast the trip at Rusty’s Bayside Bar


If you’re not ready for the evening to be over, you can always head upstairs to Rusty’s Bayside Bar for another drink after dinner. It’s in the same waterfront building, so you don’t have to go anywhere else, and you’ll get one last look out over Newport Bay.
They have great cocktails here, including my favorite, an Elderflower Spritz! The Rusty Mai Tai is their signature drink, but there’s also a great wine and champagne list, or plenty of alcohol-free options if you’re not in the mood for booze. Either way, this is a perfect place to raise a glass of something refreshing to a great few days in Newport Beach.
Related Read: Looking for more fun things to do? Our complete Newport Beach guide covers our favorite beaches, boat trips, wildlife experiences, and more!
Where to Stay in Newport Beach


With so many of Newport Beach’s best things to do centered around the coast and harbor, we recommend staying as close to the water as possible. Balboa Peninsula is our top choice for first-time visitors, but Mariner’s Mile is another convenient option, so we’ve picked three great hotels in these areas for different budgets.
Newport Beach Hotel – $$$
If staying right by the sand is a non-negotiable, Newport Beach Hotel is the one to book! It sits on the West Oceanfront boardwalk, just a 5-minute walk from Newport Beach Pier, so the location really couldn’t be better.
We love this hotel because it offers free breakfast, bicycle rentals, beach chairs, and umbrellas, making beach days nice and easy. Some rooms also have jetted tubs or fireplaces, while the larger Sailor Suites come with full kitchens, which is super convenient for families.
Rooms typically cost between $250 and $550 USD per night. It’s a splurge, but definitely worth it! Check availability and book your stay at Newport Beach Hotel here!
Little Inn By The Bay – $$
For a more affordable stay near Newport Beach Pier, we absolutely adore Little Inn By The Bay.
This hotel is only about a 5-minute walk from the pier, so early-morning beach walks and sunset strolls couldn’t be easier. The free beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and bicycles are also a huge bonus. Plus, each room has a microwave and fridge, which is always handy for snacks and leftovers.
Rooms usually range from $175 to $450+ USD per night, which is very reasonable for a boutique hotel this close to the beach. See the latest rates and book your stay at Little Inn By The Bay here!
Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach – $$
If you want great value near Newport Harbor, Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach is a solid choice. It’s right across from the harbor on Mariner’s Mile, and it’s only about a 15- to 20-minute walk from Lido Marina Village.
We love this hotel because we always appreciate a free breakfast, especially somewhere as pricey as Newport Beach! There’s also a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center, so it has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Rooms usually cost between $180 and $350+ USD per night, which isn’t bad at all for a clean, comfortable hotel near the harbor with breakfast included. See the latest rates and book your stay at Holiday Inn Express Newport Beach here!
Want to see more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Newport Beach here!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Renting a Car in the USA

The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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Thanks for reading!

Newport Beach is everything we love about California! Great beaches, a lively atmosphere, and plenty to do. Three days is the perfect amount of time to soak up some of that California sun and explore the unique aspects of the city.
Before you go, check out our other USA blogs. As lifelong travelers, we love helping others plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination. Cheers!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Napa, California: 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend TWO DAYS in Santa Barbara, California: 2-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE DAYS in San Diego, California: 3-Day Itinerary
The Services We Recommend
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